Hot Snakes Reunite

Playing ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas, possibly more shows

Before breaking up in 2005, Hot Snakes, the band founded by former Drive Like Jehu co-leaders Rick Froberg and John Reis, kicked out an absolutely furious noise, combining Jehu's bloodthirsty, seesawing post-hardcore and the stuck-on-overdrive garage rock that Reis made with Rocket From the Crypt. They were one of the great indie rock live acts of their era; people left their shows feeling dizzy. And now they're getting back together.As the All Tomorrow's Parties website announces, Hot Snakes will play ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas festival, taking place at Butlins Holiday Centre in Minehead, England December 9-11. This year, three different bands will curate and headline the festival's three individual days: Les Savy Fav, Battles, and Caribou. Hot Snakes will play the fest's first day, curated by Les Savy Fav.

On the Swami Records message board, Reis says that Hot Snakes could also play some more reunion shows, most likely on the East Coast or in Europe. (He also writes, "Please do not share your thoughts or preferences on the matter. Not interested in suggestions.") Froberg and Reis both lead active bands (Obits and the Night Marchers, respectively), so take advantage while you can.

Les Savy Fav's Nightmare Before Christmas lineup also features No Age, the Dodos, Wild Flag, Archers of Loaf, Marnie Stern, Oxes, Surfer Blood, and others. Battles' lineup includes Flying Lotus, Washed Out, the Field, Gary Numan, and many others. And the Caribou-curated final day features Toro Y Moi, Junior Boys, Four Tet, free jazz legend Pharoah Sanders, Sun Ra Arkestra, and others. Click here to find the full lineup.